x265 Encoder 4.1+222

Why Choose x265 HEVC Encoder?

x265 transforms your videos into the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) format - also known as H.265 - doubling compression efficiency while preserving original video quality.

This means smaller file sizes for faster uploads, reduced storage costs, and improved streaming performance.

The encoder builds on proven x264 technology with next-generation HEVC enhancements.

Wavefront processing exceeds H.264 capabilities, while features like multiple reference frames, scene-cut detection, and flexible rate control deliver professional results.

Key Features

Superior Compression - Achieve up to 1000:1 compression ratios with intelligent block-based encoding that optimizes every frame.

Ultra-High Resolution Support - Handle videos up to 8192x4320 (8K) resolution with full support for 4K, HDR10, and HDR10+ content.

Professional Encoding Tools - CABAC entropy coding, adaptive B-frame placement, weighted prediction, and constant quantizer or single-pass ABR rate control options.

Dolby Vision Support - Version 4.1 includes Dolby Vision 8.4 Profile support for premium HDR content creation.

Free and Open Source - Available under GNU GPL 2 license with active development and regular updates.

Perfect For

Content creators needing efficient video storage, streaming platforms reducing bandwidth costs, YouTube uploaders optimizing upload times, and professionals requiring high-quality video compression for distribution.

GUI Options for Easier Encoding

x265 is a command-line encoder. If you prefer a graphical interface, several options integrate x265 seamlessly:

• x265vfw - Video for Windows interface with simple parameter controls.
• StaxRip - Portable encoding tool with customizable profiles for H.264, HEVC, VP9, and AV1.
• HandBrake - User-friendly transcoder with device-optimized presets.
• VidCoder - Streamlined HandBrake alternative with batch processing.
• XMedia Recode - Feature-rich converter with video passthrough and chapter editing.
• Shutter Encoder - Open-source converter with extensive format support.

For advanced workflows, MediaCoder offers GPU-accelerated batch transcoding with comprehensive HEVC support.

Windows 11 Compatibility

Fully optimized for Windows 11 with improved ARM64 NEON performance.

The latest builds include 20% performance improvements on ARM processors, making x265 ideal for newer Windows on ARM devices.

Version Differences: VS2015, VS2022, and GCC14.2

Different compiler versions produce slightly different x265 builds. VS 2015, VS 2022, and GCC 14.2 builds offer minimal practical differences - choose whichever suits your workflow.

Playing HEVC Videos

After encoding, you'll need proper playback support. These players handle HEVC natively:

• VLC Media Player - Plays HEVC files without additional codecs.
• MPC-BE - Lightweight player with excellent hardware acceleration.
• MPC-HC - Classic player with customizable DirectShow filters.
• PotPlayer - Feature-rich player with built-in HEVC decoder.

For Windows Media Player and other DirectShow applications, install the K-Lite Codec Pack or the free HEVC Video Extensions.

x265 vs H.264 vs AV1: Which Encoder Should You Choose?

x265 (HEVC/H.265) delivers approximately 50% better compression than H.264 at equivalent quality. Ideal for 4K content, archival projects, and situations where storage space matters most. Growing device support includes most modern smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices.

x264 (H.264) remains the universal standard with playback support across virtually every device. Choose H.264 when maximum compatibility matters more than file size.

AV1 offers royalty-free licensing and excellent compression - potentially 30% better than HEVC.

However, encoding speeds remain slower than x265, and hardware support is still growing. Consider SVT-AV1 for faster AV1 encoding or NVEnc for hardware-accelerated encoding on RTX 40-series GPUs.

Hardware-Accelerated HEVC Encoding

For faster encoding, consider GPU-accelerated alternatives:

• NVEnc - NVIDIA GPU encoding for HEVC and AV1.
• DivX HEVC Encoder - Commercial encoder with hardware acceleration.
• SVT-HEVC - Intel's optimized HEVC encoder.

Working with HEVC Files

After encoding, you may need to edit or organize your HEVC files:

• MKVToolNix - Merge, split, and edit MKV containers without re-encoding.
• FFmpeg - Command-line tool for advanced video processing.

Latest Version: 4.1+211

Recent updates include Segment-Based Rate Control, Motion-Compensated Spatio-Temporal Filtering, Dolby Vision 8.4 Profile support, and 20% performance improvements on ARM processors.

Helpful Guides

• Is my PC able to play H.265/HEVC media files?
• How to download HEVC Video Extension for free
• Playing HEVC Files on VLC Media Player
• Best Players for HEVC Files
• A Comprehensive Guide to Encoding HEVC Videos Using StaxRip
• Video Encoding Wars: StaxRip vs HandBrake

Get Started Today

Join thousands of video professionals using x265 for efficient, high-quality video encoding.

Download x265 Encoder Free

Also consider: DivX HEVC Encoder for hardware acceleration and SVT-HEVC for optimized Intel encoding.